North Sevier is one of the smallest schools in 2A, and needs all the bodies it can get to compete with the likes of Manti, Millard and Richfield. Unfortunately for Higgs, a lot of the students at North Sevier aren’t interested in playing football.

“We’re struggling as far as getting kids out. We have a lot of kids who played for us the last couple years who aren’t coming out 'cause they don’t want to get hurt for other sports,” said Higgs.

He’s sympathetic to their reluctance. In the past couple years several of his players have gotten injured playing against the bigger 2A schools, and Higgs said “that’s just not exciting for them.”

During North Sevier’s brief spell in 2007 and 2008 when it played 1A football, there was excitement around the football program. That has all but vanished, and it might take realignment to get it back.

However, despite a 4-25 record the past three years — and despite a turnaround being unlikely this year with less than 35 players on the team — Higgs is still anxious to see how his kids compete.

“I think we’ll be OK. By no means are we down and out as far as winning a game. The kids that we do have — they want to be there and they’re excited to play and they’ll do whatever we ask them to do,” said Higgs.

With only four seniors, North Sevier will rely on a strong junior class to be competitive.

Higgs doesn’t want to put too much stock in North Sevier’s first game against Kanab on Aug. 17, but he admits that’s going to be pretty significant.

Neither team is expected to compete near the top in 2A, but if the Wolves get blown out it’s a sign they might not even be able to compete at the bottom of 2A.

“That first game will tell us a lot,” said Higgs.

North Sevier Wolves at a glance

Coach: Ryan Higgs is entering his sixth year as head coach at North Sevier. He’s amassed a 17-35 record along the way, including a 1A state title in 2008. He’s a graduate of Millard High School.

Offense

(4 returning starters; Fly offense)

Desmond Honeycutt started three games at quarterback last year filling in for injured Joey Edwards. The junior has struggled at times this summer, and the coaching staff isn’t sure whether to hand him the starting job or give it to a freshman. The Wolves will have some experience at receiver as both Kyler Yardley and Trent Hampton started last year. Hampton was second on the team with 261 receiving yards and three TDs. Colton Robins will likely be the only player on the offensive line with much varsity experience.

James Edward is a sports writer at the Deseret News, serving as the prep editor and Real Salt Lake beat writer. A graduate of the University of Utah in 1998, he has been a full-time sports writer of the Deseret News since more ..